The best pub spots on the Mon & Brec Canal

Narrowboat holidays are all about relaxation - giving you the time and space to decompress and enjoy a special break with loved ones. With this in mind, what better way to unwind than with a leisurely drink or bite to eat in a countryside pub? Whether you’re visiting in the summer and can sit out and soak up the sun and surroundings in a beer garden or you’re visiting in the winter and you can cosy up by the fire, there is a joy to be had in every season.

What’s more is the Monmouth & Breconshire Canal boasts a large number of these stops dotted throughout the route provided by Beacon Park Boats, proving the Mon & Brec really is one of the best canal routes for pubs in the UK.

Something for everyone

See below for a rundown of our favourite picks for pub choices we have on the Mon & Brec and their distance from the canal.

Three Horse Shoes - Groesffordd, a 10 minute walk from the canal

This lovely village pub and restaurant serves gastro-pub style dishes as well as classic fish and chips. There is a beer garden with beach huts that can seat 8, these can be booked for al fresco dining with beautiful views.

Horse Shoe Inn - Llangattock, a 10 minute walk from our base

A charming and traditional pub, chef Raymond Hinds serves up Authentic Jamaican Street food as well as homecooked Welsh dishes that everyone needs to try.

The Vine Tree - Llangattock, a 15 minute walk from our base

This 19th century coaching inn offers wonderful food, with both inside and outside dining available.

The Crown - Pantygelli, a 10 minute taxi ride from the canal

A thriving pub and restaurant, visit here for a delicious Sunday lunch and enjoy the quiet surroundings with mountain views nearby.

The Angel Hotel - Abergavenny, a 40 minute walk from the canal

A luxurious 4 star hotel located in the centre of Abergavenny. Providing a warm, friendly environment in a truly residential setting. Book ahead for a memorable dining experience and the award winning afternoon tea service.

Horseshoe Inn - Mamhilad, a 30 minute walk from the canal

A delightful local pub which prides itself on its pub food and ambience. The menu is created from local ingredients by their chefs.

Horse & Jockey - Pontypool, a 20 minute walk from the canal

This lovely restored pub has a fantastic beer garden, surrounded by open and picturesque fields. There is a wide selection of food and drink and they host occasional events!

But that’s not all, there’s a host of other great pubs on the route. These include;

The Wellington - Brecon, a 10 minute walk from the canal

Royal Oak - Pencelli, on the canalside

Star Inn - Talybont, on the canalside

Coach & Horses - Llangynidr, on the canalside

The Red Lion - Llangynidr, a 20 minute walk from the canal

Beaufort Arms - Gilwern, a 5 minute walk from the canal

The Towpath Inn - Gilwern, on the canalside

Tafarn Y Bont - Govilon, a 5 minute walk from the canal

Goose & Cuckoo Inn - Llanover - a 40 minute walk (with a steep hill) from the canal

Goytre Arms - Goytre, a 20 minute walk from the canal

Open Hearth - Pontypool, on the canalside

Daytrippers need not miss out

Also, the good news for those that are only with us on the canal for a day on one of our day boats is that both directions available, either North or South, offer a fabulous pub at the end of each of their routes before you turn back for our base. With both the Coach & Horses at Llangynidr in the North and The Towpath Inn at Gilwern in the South right on the canalside for your enjoyment.

Just a tip from us though - call ahead to make sure you’ve got a table booked, with these pubs a popular destination during the busier periods on the canal!